Netflix fans can’t stop watching a ‘gripping’ film that they believe Adam Sandler should have won an Oscar for.
The actor and comedian is renowned for his quirky stand-up routines featuring silly songs and even dafter comedy films such as Happy Gilmore, Big Daddy and Grown Ups. Yet throughout his diverse career, he has also tackled more serious roles.
These include recent releases such as Jay Kelly and Uncut Gems. However, one of his dramatic performances is currently dominating the Netflix charts.
Fans continue to hail it as one of his most impressive turns that ought to have garnered him awards recognition.
At the time of writing, that film, Reign Over Me, is currently positioned at number nine in the top 10 most-watched films amongst Netflix subscribers.
According to its synopsis, the story centres on Charlie Fineman. We encounter Charlie years after he lost his entire family in the terrorist attacks of September 11 and is still grieving over their deaths, reports the Mirror.
He happens to run into Alan, his former college roommate, and the two rekindle their friendship. Alan himself is feeling the strain of family and professional responsibilities, and his renewed bond with Charlie gives both men the strength to carry on during a turning point in their lives.
Sandler takes on the role of Charlie, while Don Cheadle, renowned for Crash, House of Lies and portraying Rhodes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, also stars as Alan. Although the film failed to win over critics upon its release back in 2007, it proved far more popular with audiences, earning an impressive 81% fan score on Rotten Tomatoes.
One viewer simply declared: “One of the best Adam Sandler movies, a true gem.” Another added: “Such a sad, yet warm, masterpiece in my opinion. It makes me wonder why he didn’t pursue more dramatic roles.”
A further viewer concurred: “May well be the best performance Adam Sandler has ever given. Gripping, mystic, not many films bring you to tears and keep you drawn to the end. Love the supporting roles, very believable.”
Even those who confessed to having little fondness for Sandler’s typical output were won over. As one person admitted: “I’m no Adam Sandler fan, but he deserved an Oscar for this role. It was heartfelt and sincere.”
Echoing that sentiment, one enthusiast remarked: “Hands down, Adam Sandler’s best performance. What a great, moving plot, and who knew Sandler could pull off a role like this?
“It’s a genuine piece of art from the acting to the emotion, and, it’s not predictable. The vibe from start to finish will leave you wanting more, love it!”
Meanwhile, another viewer concluded: “A charming, emotive, insightful, inspirational, heartfelt and affectionate drama about grief, loss, family, friendship, and mental illness. Its narrative is quite uneven, but it’s strongly benefited by compelling dramatic performances from Adam Sandler and Don Cheadle.”
Reign Over Me is streaming on Netflix.